Red Jak's Lounge: A New Favorite at Smith Mountain Lake, VA

I think Smith Mountain Lake just got a new favorite hangout.

Red Jak's Lounge opened this week at Bridgewater Plaza, and after getting a sneak peek at their soft opening recently, I have a feeling this place is going to be buzzing with familiar faces for a long time to come.

But for me, this isn't just another new restaurant opening. It's personal.

The chef, Jessie, is someone I've known for several years. We met when she was working at another restaurant, and over the years she has become like part of our family. I've watched her work, watched her grow, and I've seen how much being a chef in her dream restaurant means to her.

I always knew she was destined for something special. And now, she's making it happen.

Walking into Red Jak's for the first time was so much fun. The space feels stylish and inviting, with a moody atmosphere and just a little bit of unexpected flair. Matte charcoal walls, crystal chandeliers, cheetah-print chairs, mid-century-inspired couches, with some pops of color and pattern sprinkled in. It has personality, and I love that.

And the food? Wow.

I'm still thinking about the Brie Happy. It's a sandwich with Brie, arugula, apple slices, honey and fig jam on sourdough, and it is SO good. The combination of flavors is just perfect. And that's only the first thing I've tried, so I'm looking forward to making my way through the menu!

But you know what I loved most about the evening?

The people.

I saw so many familiar faces at the soft opening. Friends, locals, people I've run into around the lake for years. It already had that comfortable feeling of a place where people are going to gather again and again.

You know the bar on Cheers, where everybody knows your name?

I think Red Jak's might just become our Smith Mountain Lake version of that.

A place to grab a drink, meet up with friends, have a great meal, run into somebody you know and maybe stay a little longer than you planned.

That's what I love about living here at the lake.

So go check out Red Jak's Lounge at Bridgewater Plaza and show Jessie and the rest of the team some Smith Mountain Lake love!


Tammy Pence, REALTOR®

MKB Realtors at the Lake
540-292-0433
Licensed in Virginia